THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking, Surrey.

20th January, 1953.

Dear Grace
Thank you very much for your letter. I was rather doubtful about it at one time, because what is good film music is not necessarily good symphonic music, but I believe now that it is all right, and your opinion strengthens me in this.¹
I had a letter from poor Helen Glatz. I do wish I could do something to help her.²
Good luck with your harp piece. With harp music I always go on the principle of writing what I want and letting them work it out for themselves.
Love Uncle Ralph

(R. Vaughan Williams).

Miss Grace Williams,
9, Old Vicarage Road,
Barry, Glamorgan.

1. VW is referring to his Sinfonia Antartica.
2. Helen Glatz (née Hunter) was a composer and teacher, a former pupil of VW. It is not clear what the issue was, although she took up a post at Dartington later that year.